Dubai: Afghanistan’s ticket to the 2019 World Cup is likely to provide a huge boost for the inaugural edition of Afghanistan Premier League, being planned to be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in October.
Their five-wicket win over Ireland in the Super Six match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 at the Harare Sports Club on Friday not only helped them clinch a place in the next 50-overs showpiece in England, but has boosted their profile and is expected to reap huge financial benefits.
Afghanistan will now host this league as not only a World Cup playing nation, but also a team which was recently granted Test status.
The first edition will be contested by five teams and consist of 23 matches. Although details of sponsorship for the league has not been announced, it is understood that a leading Indian company is among the main sponsors of this league and over 40 top international cricketers will be in the fray.
Reliable sources say that some Indian cricketers, who are not part of the Indian Premier League (IPL), may be allowed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to play in this league. The BCCI has been a strong supporter of Afghanistan cricket like Emirates Cricket Board which has officially given approval for this league. Sharjah Stadium has been Afghanistan’s home venue for international matches for nearly a decade.
Interestingly, it is because of the UAE stopping Zimbabwe from reaching the World Cup through a stunning three-run win on Thursday that resulted in Afghanistan needing only an outright win over Ireland to make it to the World Cup.
Opener Mohammad Shahzad, a favourite of the Afghanistan fans in the UAE that throng the stadiums to watch his hard hitting knocks, was the hero of their win over Ireland scoring a breezy 54 runs.
Commenting on his team’s win, Shahzad said: “We lost a couple of matches but we played good cricket in the Super Sixes. We had to win this game. The plan was simple, I was looking for the loose deliveries, I did not care whether (it was a) spinner or fast bowler, I went for it. I believe in myself and the senior management staff encouraged me. Today I waited for the loose delivery and smashed the ball. Afghanistan will now take on West Indies on March 25 in the Super Sixes final.
The minnows’ qualification for the World Cup sparked off huge celebrations in their country as the team received accolades from the cricketing fraternity around the world. Former Indian batsman V.V.S. Laxman said: “After struggling initially in the tournament, the way they fought back when it mattered the most was quite amazing. Richly deserved. Enjoy the moment.”
Mohammad Kaif remarked: “Fortune favours the brave and Afghanistan have made their fortune. Some really talented players there and they have shown really strong character. Tough on Zimbabwe, Ireland and Scotland.” Former international turned TV pundit Akash Chopra summed up the Afghanistan journey well: “Always believe in fairytales. They do come true. If you don’t believe me, ask Afghanistan cricket team. Well done boys.”
